Morning Bath in the Backyard of Parisians - Fairy Forest

Text and photos by Chen Chi-Hsiang. Fairy Forest is where I practice qigong every Sunday. For several years, it has become my outdoor space for daily life in Paris. It is the time when the earth awakens and all flowers bloom brilliantly. The trees in the forest put on their lush green clothes as time passes. The temperature is still low—only five degrees Celsius on Sunday mornings and eight during the day. Our group, undeterred by the chill and full of vitality, breathes fresh phytoncides in this comfortable natural theater, practices qigong to exercise body and mind, and washes away fatigue. Afterward, we stroll by the lakeside with its shimmering reflections and two small islands inside, admiring the beautiful scenery of spring flowers blooming across the land. A group of peacocks on the island dance gracefully to welcome us, while flocks of white swans and wild ducks in the lake feed and play happily. On weekends, people are exercising all around the lakeside. Parisians love jogging around the lake, making Fairy Forest Park bustling and lively every weekend.